Viking Schumann

Built in 1991 and fully refurbished in 2011 to mimic the Viking Fontane, the Viking Schumann sails between Germany and the Czech Republic is one of the Viking River Cruise ships that has been specifically designed to navigate the shallow waters of the Elbe River with ease. Featuring outside views from all staterooms, beautifully-appointed public areas which are bright, inviting and ambient, and shore excursions and guided tours that will help to quench anyone’s thirst for travel and enrichment, the Viking Schumann is a timeless classic that has taken inspiration from its Scandinavian roots, and sailed with it.

Passengers

The Viking Schumann can accommodate up to 110 guests – most of whom are from the USA and UK, with Australians and Canadians also finding the river cruises inviting. English is the official language onboard, with all members of staff – including the local tour guides – speaking it fluently.

Most guests who travel with Viking are likely to be incredibly passionate about travel, culture and history, and embrace the curriculum of activities and experiences that the line offers.

Dining

The main restaurant can be found on the Main Deck and boasts a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. The panoramic windows help guests to enjoy the beautiful views of the riverside as they dine on regional and traditional fare. There is a central buffet station, where guests can help themselves to breakfast and lunch dishes, and dinner is a sit-down five-course affair that brings together some regional classics as well as some crowd-pleasers that will satisfy every palate. Complimentary drinks are available with lunch and dinner, including wines, beers and soft drinks. Hot drinks are also free and available around the clock, from the beverage station onboard. A drinks package upgrade is on offer if guests wish to add more choice to the mix.

Entertainment

The Observation Lounge and Bar is located on the Upper Deck, and provides a perfect meeting place where guests can enjoy conversation and drinks, before and after meals. The bar area includes a number of bar stools, and there is a large sitting area offering an array of comfortable chairs. There is also a projector and screen installed for movie nights and slide presentations.

Entertainment onboard is low-key, but guests can still enjoy music every evening thanks to the resident pianist, and local acts are sometimes invited onboard to perform, including folkloric performances and baroque chamber music.

Activities

All guided tours (including the use of audio headsets) and most shore excursions are included in the fare, with optional excursions and independent exploration also available. The Viking Culture Curriculum aims to inspire, enthral and educate – both onboard and off.

Onboard, guests can enjoy expert-led lectures on topics ranging from Martin Luther and the Reformation, to an eye-witness account of the Velvet Revolution. There is also a boutique onboard, and a library that carries around 80 books and games including chess, backgammon and decks of playing cards. Wi-Fi is available ship-wide, and is complimentary to use.

Accommodation

There are 56 outside-view staterooms onboard, split into five categories – French balcony staterooms on the Upper Deck and standard staterooms (Cat A, B, C and D) scattered across both Upper and Main Decks. Standard staterooms include large picture windows – those on the Upper Deck open.

Spa/Wellbeing

The Sun Deck features a range of sunloungers, as well as a shaded seating area, which is perfect for guests to unwind at the same time as enjoying the uninhibited 360-degree panoramic views.

Itineraries

The Viking Schumann currently sails the wonderful ten day ‘Elegant Elbe’ itinerary, which sails between Berlin and Prague, and includes nine fascinating guided tours. From baroque Dresden – nicknamed Florence of the Elbe – to Wittenberg, where you can walk in the footsteps of Martin Luther, this captivating voyage will have something for all. As part of the itinerary, guests can also enjoy a night in Berlin and a night in Prague (with the option to extend these stays if desired) in order to fully appreciate the beauty of these mesmerising cities.